(Newser)
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The Federal Reserve is sounding a more confident note that the economy is strengthening and pledges to hold rates at record lows to make sure it gains even more traction. Wrapping up a two-day meeting today, the Fed in a 9-1 decision retained its pledge to hold rates at historic lows for an "extended period." Doing so will help energize the recovery, they say.

The Fed offers a more upbeat view of the economy, even as it notes that risks remain. It says the job market is "beginning to improve" and notes that consumer spending has "picked up." But both observations were brighter than when the Fed last met in mid-March.

Where'd they get this picture of Bernanke? He doesn't look like Lenin's Jewish cousin. Is it a coincidence that Lou Blankfein's been in the spotlight in Washington? Image and spectacle! These guys are not going to let go of the collective jugular easily.

i wish the had a better strategy of stimulating the economy than just "lending" banks money at zero percent interest, and bailing them out if they fail. how about injecting money into the economy by doing some real funding in infrastructure, energy, and rail projects?